Recent changes in the presence status and numbers of ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) in the Eastern Balkans

The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is a species of great conservation importance within its European breeding grounds. Tadorna ferruginea is included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria (2015) in the category “Critically Endangered”. The species is qualified as “Near Threatened” in EU27 countries as a whole. Recent data from the Balkan parts of the species range indicate its considerable enlargement. During the last 10-year period, the presence status of the ruddy shelduck during winter changed from incidentally wintering in low numbers to regular and even locally abundant wintering species. The numbers of T. ferruginea migrating over the Eastern Balkans increased substantially, especially during autumn. The reasons of these expansion of the species are discussed.